gifts - All posts tagged gifts

The release of a new version of Apple’s tablet in February might rankle those who give or receive an iPad this month.

The company may be gearing up for its release of the iPad 3 in just two months,according to a report by Richard Gardner, an analyst with Citigroup Global Markets, citing several unnamed sources. The news might seem a cruel joke to those giving and receiving an iPad this month, but it’s unlikely to keep gadget buyers from holding off, analysts say.

“You wouldn’t believe what I’ve seen on registries: the matching sea-worthy kayaks, the shares of a vacation home, the $10,000 grills that get built into your deck,” says Jodi R.R. Smith, the chief executive of Boston-based etiquette consulting firm Mannersmith and author of “The Etiquette Book: A complete Guide to Modern Manners.” “They can register for anything these days, and sometimes they get a little slap-happy with the registry guns.”

As a story in today’s Wall Street Journal points out, the shift is largely a result of couples marrying at older ages and, for more than 70%, after they have already been living together. More input from the groom has also driven additions of gear like barware, tents and flat-screen TVs.

Which all prompts the question: If the happy couple can shoot for the moon, how far should the guests go to appease them? PayDirt talked to Smith about how to manage your budget, and the couple’s expectations.

Pay Dirt: Some of these registry gifts seem unrealistically expensive. Are you really obligated to spend that much?

About Pay Dirt

Pay Dirt examines the millions of consumer decisions Americans make every day: What to buy, how much to pay, whether to rave or complain. Lead written by Quentin Fottrell, the blog examines these interactions, providing readers with news, insight and tips on shopping, spending, customer service, and companies that do right – and wrong – by their customers. Send items, questions and comments to quentin.fottrell@dowjones.com or tweet @SMPayDirt.